http://www.abreon.com/case_studies Abreon case studies will give you an idea of the results Abreon and its clients can achieve together. en todd@sitesquad.net Copyright 2008 2008-08-06T23:31:01-05:00 http://www.abreon.com/case_studies/worlds_leading_producer_of_cereal_and_convenience_foods/ http://www.abreon.com/case_studies/worlds_leading_producer_of_cereal_and_convenience_foods/#When:22:31:01Z With 2005 sales in excess of $10 billion, this company is the world’s leading producer of cereal and a leading producer of convenience foods. With over 26,000 employees, and products that are manufactured in 17 countries and marketed in more than 180 countries around the world, this company is part of the Fortune 500 and FT Global 500. With 2005 sales in excess of $10 billion, this company is the world’s leading producer of cereal and a leading producer of convenience foods. With over 26,000 employees, and products that are manufactured in 17 countries and marketed in more than 180 countries around the world, this company is part of the Fortune 500 and FT Global 500. The Challenge The client sought an education solution provider with substantial Oracle experience to identify the company’s education needs, develop complex job aids to support the education of manufacturing employees, document business processes, and offer recommendations for educating employees. Additionally, the client sought to minimize education expenses and develop ongoing Oracle education capabilities through the use of internal instructors to deliver training. Our Solution The Abreon Group engaged Instructional Design Consultants experienced in developing Oracle education solutions for this critical initiative. Abreon conducted an assessment to gauge the education needs of the company’s employees. After the assessment was completed, Abreon used the data to develop a customized Oracle education project plan tailored to fit the specific needs of the employees. The plan outlined the most effective job aids for the initiative and identified the suggested education delivery method. Abreon also documented the processes by which company employees would be trained by internal staff. The Results Abreon effectively identified the education needs of company employees, thereby preventing the documentation and delivery of irrelevant information pertaining to the Oracle implementation. The customized job aids provided company employees with a reference tool after completing the Oracle education program. These tools helped to ensure the employee knowledge transfer and assisted with the smooth transition of the new processes into the company environment. Through Abreon’s process documentation and course materials, the company effectively educated employees on the processes critical to the effective utilization of Oracle. By engaging an experienced education solution provider, the company received a customized solution that facilitated the adoption of Oracle and the new business processes by company personnel. var DID=60497;var MyID=fetchBMSID(); Consumer Packaged Goods, Oracle, Education 2008-08-06T22:31:01-05:00 http://www.abreon.com/case_studies/international_marketer_and_distributor_of_fresh_produce/ http://www.abreon.com/case_studies/international_marketer_and_distributor_of_fresh_produce/#When:22:28:02Z As a leading international marketer and distributor of high-quality fresh produce, this company is one of the largest banana producers in the world. Additionally, the company is the leading U.S. producer of private-label canned vegetables. With more than $3.1 billion in net sales annually, the company has 25,000 employees worldwide. As a leading international marketer and distributor of high-quality fresh produce, this company is one of the largest banana producers in the world. Additionally, the company is the leading U.S. producer of private-label canned vegetables. With more than $3.1 billion in net sales annually, the company has 25,000 employees worldwide. The company’s management team made the strategic business decision to implement J.D. Edwards’ Financial and Distribution modules. To support this decision, the company sought a partner to assist with the implementation and to develop a customized education solution. The Challenge The client sought a partner to develop documentation related to the company’s rules and business processes, as well as to assist in the development of a customized employee education solution for a J.D. Edwards implementation. The desired solution included end user and instructor documentation, as well as Train-the-Trainer sessions for about 100 of the client’s Subject Matter Experts (SMEs). Our Solution The Abreon Group worked directly with the company’s project team to develop a schedule and format for courses that would maximize the effectiveness of the time spent training and minimize the impact of “away-from-job” time. Abreon’s Instructional Design Consultant developed step-by-step documentation of new business procedures. With the assistance of the company’s SMEs, Abreon mapped the business processes to individual job responsibilities. Abreon delivered education sessions to 100 employees based on job role. This approach eliminated unnecessary away-from-job time for company employees. In addition, Abreon provided documentation management services including Train-the-Trainer sessions for select company trainers. Customized course materials were also created as reference tools for students and trainers during and after education sessions. The Results The benefits of Abreon’s solution included: • A seamless transition to the new technology by providing a thorough education program and focused, functional end user materials. • A single repository for the company’s new policies, procedures, and step-by-step instructions for using the J.D. Edwards application. • A reduction in employee away-from-job time through customized education. Through its customized solution, Abreon successfully met the client’s goals and education requirements. var DID=60497;var MyID=fetchBMSID(); Other Industries, J.D. Edwards, Integrated Change Solution, Organizational Alignment, Education 2008-08-06T22:28:02-05:00 http://www.abreon.com/case_studies/non_profit_healthcare_system_peoplesoft/ http://www.abreon.com/case_studies/non_profit_healthcare_system_peoplesoft/#When:21:52:00Z One of the largest not-for-profit healthcare systems in Kentucky, owns five acute-care hospitals with more than 1,500 licensed beds, in addition to managing a 300-bed acute-care hospital. One of the largest not-for-profit healthcare systems in Kentucky, owns five acute-care hospitals with more than 1,500 licensed beds, in addition to managing a 300-bed acute-care hospital. This Healthcare System has been bringing advanced medical technology, modern facilities, and many of the region’s most prominent physicians and medical professionals to the communities of Kentucky for more than 70 years. The Challenge The client sought a partner to help increase employee productivity by ensuring the successful adoption of the PeopleSoft Human Resources system (now offered by Oracle). The organization faced the challenge of successfully educating 30 staff members and benefits coordinators on PeopleSoft’s Benefits Administration modules while minimizing the disruption of critical day-to-day operations. Our Solution Facing the challenge of balancing extensive education requirements with employee time limitations, The Abreon Group created customized curriculum and course materials targeting specific PeopleSoft tasks. The customized education solution ensured that all users performing job functions using the new technology were fully educated. The task-based course materials not only reduced the time employees were required to spend away from job responsibilities, but provided extensive reference support after training was completed. The Results Abreon provided the client with documentation of up-to-date, standardized business processes. Abreon’s PeopleSoft education solution resulted in effective training and performance support through customized course materials for use both in the classroom and as an on-the-job reference guide to policies and procedures. Furthermore, Abreon facilitated the introduction of PeopleSoft in the work environment through training focused on the tasks end users would complete in the new Benefits Administration system. A creative theme that was carried throughout the training sessions generated enthusiasm for the project. The healthcare facility’s job productivity was visibly enhanced across the board. Additionally, PeopleSoft technology was not only integrated into the client’s system, but it was also well received by the employees. Based on the success of this solution, when the client sought to upgrade to PeopleSoft 8.0, its management team turned to Abreon to develop and deliver tailored instruction for Base Benefits, Benefits Administration, and HR/Payroll as well as Education and Training, and Health and Safety. var DID=60497;var MyID=fetchBMSID(); Healthcare, PeopleSoft, Integrated Change Solution, Organizational Alignment, Education, Program Support 2008-08-06T21:52:00-05:00 http://www.abreon.com/case_studies/florida_based_health_system/ http://www.abreon.com/case_studies/florida_based_health_system/#When:21:47:02Z A global market leader in the healthcare imaging arena, Agfa produces many high-end hardware, software and digital imaging products. Agfa provides hospitals with computerized radiography and digital networks such as IMPAX WEB1000, a computer-based Picture Archiving and Communication System (PACS). WEB1000 is designed to reengineer the way physical documents are handled and accessed across the healthcare enterprise.As a global market leader in the healthcare imaging arena, Agfa produces many high-end hardware, software and digital imaging products. Agfa provides hospitals with computerized radiography and digital networks such as IMPAXTM WEB1000, a computer-based Picture Archiving and Communication System (PACS). IMPAXTM WEB1000 is designed to reengineer the way physical documents are handled and accessed across the healthcare enterprise. Agfa and The Abreon Group have partnered to educate and communicate with Physicians and key personnel to ensure acceptance and the successful use of IMPAXTM WEB1000. The Challenge One of Agfa’s client hospitals, a Florida-based Health System, rolled out WEB1000 at one of its divisions in Florida. The initial group of end users included 120 Physicians and 60 Clerks, Nurses, Directors, Radiologists and Radiology Technicians. The physician community and other core members of the hospital were experiencing difficulty using IMPAXTM WEB1000 and requested assistance in increasing effective utilization and improving user comfort levels with the technology. Agfa recognized it needed a partner to assist client hospitals that introduce the IMPAXTM WEB1000 application. The challenge is to educate Physicians and staff on its use. Our Solution Agfa selected Abreon as its partner for creating Physician communications and coaching in preparation for the launch of IMPAXTM WEB1000 at the Florida-based Health System internal staff. The Abreon and Agfa partnership provided the health system with communication, education management, and physician coaching services that introduced the program and informed Physicians how to use technology. To encourage Physician acceptance and generate awareness among the physician community, Abreon designed a customizable communication campaign for Agfa to use in each engagement. The campaign consisted of an introductory letter sent from the Hospital Administrator to all participating Physicians, a tri-fold brochure containing details and important information about the initiative and its benefits to Physicians, and a poster outlining coaching sessions and contact information. A media event was also coordinated to inform the community about the changes and improved patient care. Physician education included 30-minute one-on-one coaching sessions where IMPAXTM WEB1000 was demonstrated. In these sessions, participants were able to use the tool and ask questions. Reference cards were created and distributed to Physicians. Abreon also provided Physician scheduling for coaching appointments. The Results Based on increased awareness, Physicians were more responsive to scheduling their training sessions and understood the benefits of the PACS system. The original goal was to train 120 Physicians and key personnel. That number was surpassed with a total of 159 coaching attendees over a three-week period. In eight months, the use of film at the hospital decreased by 89 percent, which surpassed the initial goal of 83 percent. var DID=60497;var MyID=fetchBMSID(); Healthcare, AGFA, Integrated Change Solution, Organizational Alignment, Communication, Education 2008-08-06T21:47:02-05:00 http://www.abreon.com/case_studies/grocery_retailer/ http://www.abreon.com/case_studies/grocery_retailer/#When:15:22:00Z Operating since 1922, this grocery retailer is the nation’s third largest supercenter operator, and its multi-department stores carry a full line of name brandand private label food, apparel and general merchandise. Having operated with three legacy email systems, the company upgraded to Lotus Notes 5.0 for more than 20,000 Portland-area retail and corporate employees.Operating since 1922, this grocery retailer is the nation’s third largest supercenter operator, and its multi-department stores carry a full line of name brand and private label food, apparel, and general merchandise. Having operated with three legacy email systems, the company upgraded to Lotus Notes 5.0 for more than 20,000 Portland-area retail and corporate employees. The Challenge The client was preparing to implement Lotus Notes 5.0 and sought a partner to aid in educating and communicating to their employees about this substantial change to their environment. Converting from three legacy email systems to Lotus Notes 5.0 was a cultural shift for the company, whose employees used email that included Office Vision, a mainframe system; Lotus Notes 4.6; and MS Outlook and Outlook Express. The client needed to create awareness in the user population and needed a partner to handle creation and deployment of a comprehensive communication plan. They also needed a partner who could develop reference guides and train their education staff to teach Lotus Notes 5.0 to the end users. Our Solution The Abreon Group recommended a customized communication and targeted education program to prepare the end users for installation of Lotus Notes 5.0. The communication plan included a program brand and key messaging, presentation templates, posters, brochures, an email campaign, intranet content, and an All User briefing. The communication program included three phases: Phase I included the comprehensive plan in which users were evaluated, the impact of the change was assessed, and the audience was analyzed. During this phase, all communication vehicles were created for deployment. During Phase II the program was executed. End users were informed about the change and introduced to training topics and schedules. Communication vehicles were distributed at key points in the project. Phase III included ongoing support in which an Abreon Communication Consultant was the single point of contact for all end users who had questions about the project. Program education recommendations included the creation of Lotus Notes 5.0 instructor and end user materials, and Train-the-Trainer sessions that teach company trainers how to conduct end user training and demonstration sessions. The Results Within two days of Train-the-Trainer sessions, the company’s trainers carried full training loads of two classes per day, four days per week. All User Briefings happened in tandem with training. Along with the communication materials, end users received comprehensive training and were prepared for the installation of Lotus Notes 5.0. var DID=60497;var MyID=fetchBMSID(); Other Industries, Lotus Notes, Integrated Change Solution, Communication, Education 2008-08-06T15:22:00-05:00 http://www.abreon.com/case_studies/property_investment_and_management_company/ http://www.abreon.com/case_studies/property_investment_and_management_company/#When:15:20:01Z This company owns or manages more than 300,000 apartment units, making it the largest owner/operator of apartment properties in the United States. The company has interests in approximately 1,370 properties in 47 states, Puerto Rico, and the District of Columbia.This company owns or manages more than 300,000 apartment units, making it the largest owner/operator of apartment properties in the United States. The company has interests in approximately 1,370 properties in 47 states, Puerto Rico, and the District of Columbia. The Challenge To improve their business and streamline processes the client desired to document their organization’s best practices and utilize PeopleSoft throughout the organization. The Abreon Group’s consultants partnered with key stakeholders to determine these best practices and increase user adoption and performance in the use of PeopleSoft. Our Solution Abreon provided consulting and education services surrounding the enterprise-wide use of PeopleSoft. Abreon consultants spent a six-week period with select company stakeholders to determine which business processes should be adopted company-wide and how PeopleSoft should be incorporated in these processes. Abreon consultants assisted key stakeholders with determineing which practices should be documented and applied to the rest of the organization. Abreon education experts provided instructor-led training to approximately 500 employees including accountants, cashiers, investment bankers, managers, controllers and C-level executives. The classroom-based course centered on particular PeopleSoft modules such as Treasury, Asset Management, Accounts Payable, Accounts Receivable, Property Attributes, General Ledger and Mortgage Payables. Abreon consultants also produced five customized user manuals for PeopleSoft Financials, Investment, Receivables, and Payables. Abreon also assisted in translating manuals into a Web-based format for their company intranet, which is accessible by all employees. The Results Abreon’s efforts in consulting, providing PeopleSoft training, and documenting practices allowed the company to move from one third utilization of PeopleSoft to near 100 percent. While some offices initially resisted the implementation of PeopleSoft, through training and coaching, Abreon consultants alleviated any concerns and ensured that company employees were comfortable using PeopleSoft in their jobs. var DID=60497;var MyID=fetchBMSID(); Financial Services, PeopleSoft, Integrated Change Solution, Education, Program Support 2008-08-06T15:20:01-05:00 http://www.abreon.com/case_studies/midwest_super_regional_bank/ http://www.abreon.com/case_studies/midwest_super_regional_bank/#When:15:17:02Z This Midwest super-regional bank, with assets of more than $260 billion, operates more than 1,800 offices in the United States and international markets. Business activities include commercial, corporate, and institutional banking, services for retail and small business customers; loan and leasing services; and investment, brokerage, and insurance services. Through its subsidiary, this bank is one of the nation's largest credit card lenders.This Midwest super-regional bank, with assets of more than $260 billion, operates more than 1,800 offices in the United States and international markets. Business activities include commercial, corporate and institutional banking; services for retail and small business customers; loan and leasing services; and investment, brokerage and insurance services. Through its subsidiary, this bank is one of the nation’s largest credit card lenders. The Challenge Historically, each bank within this financial institution operated as independent entities, each of which was empowered to make IT purchasing and operations decisions. As information flowed between business units, it became increasingly difficult to communicate due to the wide variety of software formats. Employees were spending a great deal of time converting files to the standards of their respective business units. As the organization prepared their hardware for Year 2000 compliance, they made the strategic decision to standardize the business on one common software system. The company partnered with The Abreon Group to conduct nationwide training for the standardization effort. Our Solution Abreon employed 45 nationally-based instructional resources to provide instructional delivery. An eight-member Project Management team coordinated the vast logistical effort of training delivery. Two-hour introductory sessions were conducted to educate end users on the standardization and upgrade process. The instructor explained why the change was occurring and the technical and educational assistance available to them throughout the process. Each instructor was equipped with a six laptop mobile classroom, which included a hub and server for email simulation. Two-hour workshop sessions in Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Lotus Notes email were available in the mobile lab. In addition, the Abreon instructional staff provided coaching-on-demand to assist clients with file conversion or application-based issues. One-on-one executive training provided executives and their assistants with training targeted to their specialized needs. The Results Abreon’s customized curriculum and course materials, including task-based exercises were targeted to maximize knowledge retention. Flexible training delivery, featuring mobile classrooms, coaching-on-demand, workshops and executive one-on-one training provided multiple methods for the institution’s diverse employee population to receive effective education. The marketing campaign encouraged user acceptance of the technology change and ensured understanding of the underlying business objectives of the implementation. The partnership between Abreon and the client teams fostered effective communication and logistical efficiency throughout the project. var DID=60497;var MyID=fetchBMSID(); Financial Services, Microsoft, Integrated Change Solution, Organizational Alignment, Communication, Education, Program Support 2008-08-06T15:17:02-05:00 http://www.abreon.com/case_studies/manufacturer_of_boilers_and_power_generation_equipment/ http://www.abreon.com/case_studies/manufacturer_of_boilers_and_power_generation_equipment/#When:15:13:02Z This manufacturer designs, engineers, fabricates, constructs and services boilers and other power-generating equipment. With about 10,800 employees, this manufacturer has offices and plants throughout the United States and Canada, in addition to international operations in China and Indonesia.This manufacturer designs, engineers, fabricates, constructs and services boilers and other power-generating equipment. With about 10,800 employees, this manufacturer has offices and plants throughout the United States and Canada, in addition to international operations in China and Indonesia. Founded in 1867, this manufacturer has a long history of supplying innovative solutions to meet global energy needs. With its power generation systems and equipment found in more than 800 utilities and industries in over 90 countries, this company serves customers in electric power, nuclear power, pulp and paper, industrial, construction services, and environmental markets. The Challenge This client made the strategic business decision to implement collaborative product lifecycle management (PLM) solutions from MatrixOne. PLM solutions enable companies to collaboratively develop, build, and manage products, with the goal of dramatically accelerating innovation, increasing revenue, and reducing time-to-market. The client’s management team knew that the implementation would have a significant impact on the company’s employees, as many processes and procedures would change dramatically. The PLM initiative also would accelerate the retirement and consolidation of several systems, as well as the paper-based, phone, email, and informal processes that existed. Aware that user acceptance would dramatically impact the success of this massive project, key stakeholders at the company engaged The Abreon Group to develop a comprehensive campaign that would encourage employee adoption. Our Solution Abreon conducted a one-week communication assessment that included interview sessions, information collection, information synthesis, strategy development and project outlining. To address the anticipated employee resistance to change, Abreon created a communication plan. The plan followed a phased approach to create awareness, generate interest, facilitate evaluation, encourage trial, promote adoption and provide reinforcement. Explicit goals were established for each phase and communication vehicles were recommended for the client to execute on the plan. The plan included strategy, deliverables, and an outline of required resources. The Results Based on Abreon’s recommendations, the client was able to communicate in advance of and in tandem with the PLM initiative. This effort created awareness and interest within the organization and addressed the various concerns of employees in 11 departments. It also made the cultural shift more manageable for company employees. var DID=60497;var MyID=fetchBMSID(); Manufacturing, MatrixOne, Organizational Alignment, Communication 2008-08-06T15:13:02-05:00 http://www.abreon.com/case_studies/leading_chemical_company/ http://www.abreon.com/case_studies/leading_chemical_company/#When:15:11:01Z This chemical company, which produces motor oil, is a Fortune 500 diversified chemical company with sales of $9.3 billion. The company has sales and operations throughout the United States and in more than 120 countries around the world. The company sought a training partner that would develop a customized education solution that would increase corporate utilization related to the company’s SAP implementation.This chemical company, which produces motor oil, is a Fortune 500 diversified chemical company with sales of $9.3 billion. The company has sales and operations throughout the United States and in more than 120 countries around the world. The company sought a training partner that would develop a customized education solution that would increase corporate utilization related to the company’s SAP implementation. The Challenge Two years after making a significant investment in SAP, the company determined that in order to fully realize a return on investment, the company would need to educate corporate users on SAP. More specifically, end users needed training on the business processes involved in using SAP for their online purchasing needs. The chemical company sought a partner to develop an effective customized SAP education solution focused on purchasing processes for approximately 1,200 users as well as advanced-level education, including reporting for approximately 300 users. Our Solution The Abreon Group engaged a team of experienced consultants to assess the company’s business processes. From this research, we developed customized training for the Catalog Interface, Purchasing, and General Financial Information modules. During the following three months, instructor-led classroom training was delivered at six regional training locations nationwide. In order to optimize SAP utilization, all users who completed training were contacted via a follow-up phone call where a trainer walked them through the process of logging onto the system and offered tips and tricks for using the online purchasing tool.  This follow-up proved critical for measuring utilization and reinforcing and clarifying concepts delivered in training. Abreon’s tailored education solution included trainer certification through an internal Train-the-Trainer program, user certification requiring all users to complete two certification reviews, and a “peer-to-peer” review to help users become familiar with certain online Purchasing features. The Results By researching and documenting the company’s business processes, Abreon was able to deliver a completely unique training program tailored to meet the specific needs of the chemical company. Follow-up activities and education delivery reviews ensured that the 1,200 users were able to effectively utilize the knowledge gained outside of the education environment and in the company’s workplace. The targeted SAP Online Purchasing training program increased system utilization from 24 percent to 84 percent and produced cost savings of more than $500,000. var DID=60497;var MyID=fetchBMSID(); Manufacturing, SAP, Integrated Change Solution, Organizational Alignment, Communication, Education, Program Support 2008-08-06T15:11:01-05:00 http://www.abreon.com/case_studies/german_based_manufacturer/ http://www.abreon.com/case_studies/german_based_manufacturer/#When:15:09:01Z Headquartered in Düsseldorf, Germany, this manufacturer has approximately 50,000 employees, with 77 percent working outside Germany, and customers in 120 countries. As a Fortune Global 500 company, this enterprise provides a wide array of cosmetics, toiletries, adhesives, sealants, and homecare products, including laundry detergents.Headquartered in Düsseldorf, Germany, this manufacturer has approximately 50,000 employees, with 77 percent working outside Germany, and customers in 120 countries. As a Fortune Global 500 company, this enterprise provides a wide array of cosmetics, toiletries, adhesives, sealants, and homecare products, including laundry detergents. The Challenge The client enlisted The Abreon Group to help with its global deployment of SAP 4.6b modules, beginning with a quick-start rollout at two manufacturing plants in Canada. With its mission to “create products that make people’s lives simpler and easier,” the client hired Abreon to simplify and ease the employees’ implementation of the SAP 4.6b modules for Purchase to Pay, Order to Cash, Manufactured Products, and Quality Management. Our Solution During the first phase of the project, which was on an extremely aggressive timeline, Abreon’s education experts successfully taught the company’s Canadian end users the transaction-level reporting process. Abreon created focused coaching materials and instructor-led courseware that included work instructions, participant guides, demonstrations, and exercises. The Abreon team also built a highly interactive “Basics & Navigation” eLearning course with a focus on baseline education. Abreon quickly developed reusable materials to support the entire rollout and provided a knowledge transfer for continuing support of the program’s “Train-the-Trainer” strategy. With the aim of building a sustainable, low-maintenance education program, Abreon’s experts developed a customized Resite Recorder application, from Insight Objects, which the client’s internal team continues to use today. The Results With 95 percent of its employees scoring first-pass marks and 90 percent on competency tests, the initial Canadian rollout was so successful that the manufacturer has retained Abreon as its education partner for this two-year global initiative. Abreon’s ongoing services for the organization include strategy, education, curriculum development, and logistics. var DID=60497;var MyID=fetchBMSID(); Manufacturing, SAP, Integrated Change Solution, Organizational Alignment, Communication, Education, Program Support 2008-08-06T15:09:01-05:00